Ministers call for views on Housing Adaptations Services

Social Development Minister, Lord Morrow MLA and Health Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA have jointly launched a consultation on housing adaptations.

Housing adaptations are changes that are made to the home of a person with a disability to make it suitable for their needs and promote independent living. Adaptations are undertaken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Housing Associations and Health and Social Care Trusts and can range from the re-siting of electrical sockets and cupboards to the installation of level access showers or building an extension.

This consultation invites views on the Housing Adaptations Final Report and Action Plan which includes recommendations on how the Departments, agencies and others can better collaborate with each other, use resources more effectively, and deliver better services.

This consultation is being co-ordinated by the NIHE on behalf of the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). The consultation runs until 19 April 2016.

Social Development Minister Morrow said: “Housing adaptations help people with disabilities to remain at home and enhance their much valued independence and are an excellent example of how Government departments are working together to further improve services for the people of Northern Ireland. It is vital that the Action Plan is well informed by those who need these services for themselves or a loved one, now or in the future. I would urge people to make their views known by responding to this consultation.”

The Final Report and Action Plan have been informed by public responses to an earlier consultation into the first Inter-Departmental Review Report, conducted in 2013. Significant work with people with disabilities, occupational therapists, housing designers and providers has been undertaken since the original consultation and this has resulted in some actions, where there was broad support, having already been progressed. This includes, for example, the development of an Adaptations Design Communications Toolkit which delivers across a series of design standards and governance recommendations contained in the review.

Health Minister Simon Hamilton added: “I welcome the launch of this joint consultation. Although the majority of disabled people live at home quite independently, there can be times when adaptations to their home can make life more comfortable and less difficult. These can be small changes like replacing a bath with a shower, or something more complex like an extension – but they all make a difference to the quality of life for someone living at home.

“My Department’s Transforming Your Care strategy aims to keep people living in their own homes for as long as possible and this consultation will go some way to making it possible. I encourage everyone with an interest in this area, to respond to this consultation.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The consultation document can be downloaded from the NIHE website at the NIHE website and queries/responses can be submitted:
   By email to: Housing.adaptationsunit@nihe.gov.uk
   By telephone on: 02890 318561.
   By text relay on: 18001 02890 318561.
   By post to:
   John Montgomery
   NIHE Housing Adaptations Policy Unit
   Fifth Floor, Housing Centre
   2 Adelaide St
   Belfast
   BT2 8BP
2. The detailed recommendations and associated actions set out in the Final Report and Action Plan are organised under seven themes:
   · Closer working between statutory bodies
   · Improving Partnerships
   · Interagency case management
   · Resources, procurement and recycling
   · Design standards
   · Research
   ​· Equality and rural proofing
3. This Inter-Departmental Review Final Report and Action Plan makes a significant contribution to the Executive’s Disability Strategy - A strategy to improve the lives of people with disabilities 2012-2017.
4. Media enquiries should be directed to the DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9233 or email: press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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